Fifteen-zero is not a tennis score but the result between the two main rivals for the 2021 title at the end of this first GP.
While in damage limitation mode, an opportunistic Lewis Hamilton took advantage of the abandonment of the two Red Bulls in view of the finish to climb on the podium and score fifteen points. An almost unexpected result for the seven-time world champion:
“We really suffered throughout the weekend,” underlined the Briton after sportingly congratulating Ferrari for their double. “As seen since winter testing, our new single-seater was horrible to drive. We are six to seven tenths a lap short of Ferrari and Red Bull. We thought we were closer in the race, but it didn’t work out at all. We had to fight to resist the Haas. Fifteen laps from the finish, I had no idea I could get on the podium today. Then suddenly, the two Red Bulls withdrew. It’s important to score these big points today compared to Max because we know we’ll get back to the level but it may take a little time.”
Toto Wolff talks about Imola before he can extract the full potential of the W13. Until then, we will just have to try to keep in touch as Lewis Hamilton did perfectly, but also George Russell, who came up from 9th to 4th place.
But the big loser of the day was of course Max Verstappen, deprived of eighteen points for 2nd place with three laps to go.
“It’s annoying, but I can’t change it, he whispered. The positive is that our RB18 is competitive even if this GP was difficult in terms of tire degradation because the balance between front and rear was not good. Every time I tried to push a little more, the brakes started to overheat and I had to lift my foot again. But we’ll fix that ASAP. As expected, Ferrari are where expected. But we weren’t very far. I even took the lead a few times. Not much is missing. See you next Sunday for the rematch.”